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Microsoft is finally bringing the movable taskbar to Windows 11 - here's who can try it now
Winsage
May 19, 2026

Microsoft is finally bringing the movable taskbar to Windows 11 – here’s who can try it now

Windows 11 users can now reposition their taskbar to the top, bottom, left, or right of their screens with the latest update for Windows insiders. To use this feature, users must be on the latest experimental build and can access it through Taskbar settings. The update also allows users to customize the alignment of the Start button based on the taskbar's position and introduces options for smaller taskbar buttons. However, auto-hide and tablet-optimized settings are not supported in alternate positions, and touch gestures for these locations are still being developed. Additionally, users can expect changes to the Start menu, including independent control over the Pinned and Recommended sections, the ability to disable file recommendations without affecting recent files, size adjustments, and privacy options to hide personal information. Users must enroll in the Windows Insider Program to access these features, with broader rollout timelines remaining uncertain.
Announcing new builds for 15 May 2026
Winsage
May 16, 2026

Announcing new builds for 15 May 2026

The Windows Insider Program is expanding the rollout of its revamped Beta Channel experience to devices. New Windows 11 Insider Preview Builds are being released, with release notes available for all Insiders. Existing Beta Channel Insiders on Windows 11 version 26H1 will receive the same build version as Experimental (26H1) for now, but distinct builds will be introduced in the coming weeks. Users transitioning from the default 25H2 core version to 26H1 may experience a delay in the new version uptake. Notable new features include: - Taskbar Improvements: Users can reposition the taskbar to the top, bottom, left, or right of the screen. A smaller taskbar option is also introduced for better screen space utilization. - Widgets: Taskbar badging color will now align with the Windows accent color, and user experience will be tailored based on engagement levels. - Windows Search Box: Enhancements are being made to prioritize files and apps over web suggestions for improved relevance.
Windows 11 lets you shrink taskbar icons for a cleaner, more compact look — here’s how to enable smaller icons easily
Winsage
December 14, 2025

Windows 11 lets you shrink taskbar icons for a cleaner, more compact look — here’s how to enable smaller icons easily

Windows 11 has reintroduced the option to use smaller Taskbar icons, which was absent at the operating system's launch. The feature allows users to enable smaller icons without reducing the height of the Taskbar. To activate smaller icons, users need to open Settings, click on Personalization, navigate to the Taskbar page, and adjust the Taskbar behaviors setting. Options include "Always" for consistently smaller icons, "When taskbar is full" for smaller icons when space allows, or "Never" to keep standard-size icons.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
December 13, 2025

Windows 11 lets you shrink taskbar icons for a cleaner, more compact look — here’s how to enable smaller icons easily

Windows 11 users can now enable smaller Taskbar icons, a feature that was absent at the operating system's launch. The new implementation allows users to adjust icon size without changing the Taskbar's height. To enable smaller icons, users must open Settings, click on Personalization, navigate to the Taskbar page, and adjust the "Show smaller taskbar buttons" setting to "Always," "When taskbar is full," or "Never."
I forced myself to run Windows 11, and to be honest, I don't miss much about Windows 10
Winsage
November 25, 2025

I forced myself to run Windows 11, and to be honest, I don’t miss much about Windows 10

Windows 10 reached the end of its support, prompting an upgrade to Windows 11. Windows 11 is faster, with performance improvements claimed to be up to 2.3 times quicker than Windows 10, particularly on modern hardware. Boot times improved from 40 seconds to under 20 seconds. Battery life enhancements are reported, especially for modern devices. The Microsoft Store has been redesigned for a better user experience, allowing app uninstallation directly from the Store. The Start menu and Taskbar have been redesigned, with a more organized layout that enhances usability. The new context menu includes dedicated icons for frequently used functions. The classic Control Panel is missed, as its functionality has largely moved to the Settings app, which some find less simple. Overall, the upgrade to Windows 11 is considered worthwhile despite some areas needing refinement.
First look at how Copilot will change Windows 11 taskbar search
Winsage
November 1, 2025

First look at how Copilot will change Windows 11 taskbar search

Microsoft is introducing Ask Copilot in the Taskbar, an optional feature currently being rolled out to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta Channels with Preview Build 26220.7051 (KB5067115). Ask Copilot aims to enhance user experience by transforming the taskbar into a hub for accessing Copilot Voice and Vision, alongside an upgraded Windows Search. It combines functionalities of Windows Search and introduces semantic understanding for more intuitive interactions. The interface replaces the standard Windows Search bar and includes buttons for Copilot Vision and Voice, facilitating access to these features. Ask Copilot can search for files, applications, and settings using Windows’ existing Search indexing system, ensuring user privacy by not accessing personal files during searches. When users ask about changing settings in natural language, an Ask Copilot tag appears, redirecting them to the Copilot app, as it currently does not execute commands directly. The Copilot Vision and Voice features merely redirect users to the Copilot app, indicating further development is needed. Windows Search remains intact and will coexist with Ask Copilot. Ask Copilot is disabled by default and can be enabled in Settings. There is no timeline for a broader rollout to the general public, as it is currently available only to insiders.
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